Computer parts
A computer consists of several pieces of hardware which forms the system. Computers are very common
nowadays as more and more people are using them in their daily life or job. However, there are still
people who are not familiar with these parts, despite working with them frequently. So, which computer parts
make up a computer?
Basic computer parts
1. CPU - central processing unit
The CPU is a crucial component in a computer. Without a CPU, a computer will not be able to run, as the CPU is the "brain" of the computer. A CPU is in charge of all the processes running in the system. With a higher clock speed, it could handle more demanding processes. A CPU is a very delicate piece of hardware, thus it must be handled carefully. Currently, there are two main competitors in the CPU market: one is Intel and the other one is AMD.
2. Motherboard
The motherboard is also a very crucial component in a computer. It serves as the main structure for all other component to connect to the computer. It is also tasked with delivering power to these other components, transfer information between hardware as well as connect external devices such as mice, keyboards, printers and so on. There are plenty of companies that manufactures motherboards, such as Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, etc.
3. RAM - random access memory
RAM is a component which temporarily stores data for the applications that we are running on the computer. The memory size and the clock speed of the RAM will determine how much memory it can store and how fast can it run respectively. With more memory and higher the clock speed of the RAM, a user may run more programs simultaneosly or certain processes will be able to complete faster. Currently, there are quite a number of manufacturers for RAM with Corsair, G Skill, Kingston HyperX being the most popular and common brands.
4. GPU - graphics processing unit
GPUs are another main components for a computer. They are in charge of processes which utilizes processing power and memory to render and display 3D graphics. There are several uses of a GPU: 3D graphics and video rendering; artificial intelligence and gaming. As it is a sophisticated hardware for the sake of the above usages, it could easily cost as high or in most cases, higher than the cost of a CPU. Currently, there are two main contenders in the market: with Nvidia being slightly more dominant comparing to AMD.
5. PSU - power supply unit
The power supply unit is tasked with delivering power to the other component of a computer through the motherboard. It is the "heart" of a computer as it brings the computer to life. As either more higher-end components are installed or more data storage units or peripherals are connected, a power supply with a higher wattage will have to be used to ensure all parts are supplied with sufficient and stable power. There are also a lot of manufacturers for power supplies, such as Asus, Corsair, Thermaltake, Seasonic etc.
6. CPU coolers
A CPU cooler is a piece of hardware which will transfer the heat dissipated by CPU, thus effectively lowering the temperature of the CPU. There are three types of CPU coolers: one being an air cooler, one being a water cooler and the other one being an AIO or all-in-one cooler. An air cooler is a traditional tower type cooler which dissipates heat from the CPU to the radiator fins of the cooler, to the fan conneting the cooler. A water cooler is a custom unit that utilizes water to dissipate heat in a closed water loop around the computer. As water is a better conductor than air, a custom water loop is built for the sake of cooling high-end equipment, such as the best CPUs or the best GPUs. An AIO takes the best of both worlds: as there is a water block connecting to the CPU and transfering heat to the radiator mounted to the case and dissipates heat through the fans pushing air throught the radiator and outside the case; or pulling fresh air outside the case and cool the water flowing through the radiator. There are a lot of manufacturers for CPU coolers, such as Corsair, Cooler Master, Noctua, Asus, MSI etc.
7. Data storage devices
As their name says, it stores data for the computer. It is different from a RAM as it can permanently store data while the latter can't. As technology advances, there are a few types of data storage devices: the traditional hard drive, a solid state drive and an NVMe SSD. The physical size of the data storage devices decreases in that order and are connected to the motherboard through different ways. Their main difference is the read and write speed of these devices. In those terms, NVMe SSDs are the fastest, followed by SSDs and finally, hard drives. By purchasing a faster devices, we will be able to improve the operating system speed, the speed of programs launching, as well as how quick data can be transferred in and out these devices. The main contenders for these devices' manufacturing are being Samsung, Adata, WD, etc.
8. Casing
A casing houses the components of the computer. Cases exists in different shapes and sizes to accomodate different requirements. The casing is one of the cosmetic components as cases are designed with style while maintaning functionality. There are a lot of cases out in the market, being pre-made cases by mainstream brands such as Corsair, Cooler Master, Thermaltake, NZXT etc.
9. Peripherals
Peripherals are devices which we connect through I/O ports of the motherboard. They are distinct from the parts above is due to it is not necessarily needed for a] computer to work. Instead, they are used to increase functionality or navigate around the computer. For example, there are mice, keyboards, headphones, printers etc. As there are a lot of different brands for these products, it is up to a personal choice for these parts.